All fifth and sixth year students attending South Ayrshire Schools were invited by the South Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership to view a special presentation ‘Reckless Driving Wrecks Lives’, that addresses the consequences of road crashes.

The presentation provided the young people with a graphic showing of what happens during and after a serious road crash, asking them to think about the victims, and explaining the impact on friends and relatives whose lives may be changed forever.

The presentation, held at the Odeon Cinema in Ayr, pointed out that some young people are killed, whilst others have to live the rest of their lives with the consequences of the crash that could be physical disabilities, mental scars, both, and sometimes guilt that they contributed to or caused the crash.

It was explained that every year people are killed or seriously inured in road crashes in South Ayrshire, and that young people driving or travelling in cars during the evening are one of the most likely groups to be involved in a serious road crash.

Chairman of the South Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership, Councillor Douglas Campbell> said: “Last year was the first time that the Partnership organised the presentations, and it was done to address the number of young people who are involved in road crashes. The Partnership developed a presentation that details the consequences of a single vehicle road traffic crash, and the ripple affect it has on people’s lives.

“Representatives from agencies who actually deal with the victims and their relatives, in their own words vividly and poignantly described the experience of dealing with seriously injured or dead young people and their families. Students were given a rare insight into how the lives of professional people are affected by what they see and do at work, and I believe that this was a revelation for some of the audience.

The initial production was so successful that this year some of the students attending ‘Reckless Driving Wrecks Lives’ are from North and East Ayrshire Council schools. The other Ayrshire Councils are paying a contribution towards the cost of the initiative so that their students can attend.

The Convener of the Council’s Community Safety Committee, Councillor Hugh Hunter commented: “I hope that young drivers, and those about to learn to drive, will remember that their lives could be changed forever, or ended in seconds, if they are involved in a serious crash. There was an important message delivered to passengers, letting them know that there is a need for them to act responsibly, not to distract a driver, not to let friends drink alcohol or take drugs and drive, and never to get into a vehicle with anyone who they believe has done so.”

Students were shown a video of events leading up to young people being involved in a crash, and this was interspersed with people from various agencies coming onto the stage and addressing the audience.

Operational staff representing Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service, Ambulance Service, and Hospital Accident and Emergency staff described in detail what their duties are when they attended crashes, or have to deal with the aftermath.

The South Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership is a multi-agency partnership consisting of South Ayrshire Council, Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire Brigade and Rescue Service, Ayrshire and Arran NHS Trust and various voluntary groups.

Councillor Hugh Hunter, Convener of the Council’s Community Safety Committee (extreme left) and Councillor Douglas Campbell, Chair of South Ayrshire Licensing Board, are pictured with representatives from the agencies and guest speakers involved in the presentation.

March 2006